VAR. 26 from Goldberg Variations | J.S. Bach | Covert Ensemble with Nicki Roman

Huzzah(!!) and welcome to Variation 26 of the Goldberg Variations! This one has everything: shoots, ladders, and the outdoor concert from a Zoloft commercial! In contrast to the pathos, depth and introspective nature of the previous variation, the exuberance of Variation 26 is akin to a quad espresso shot directly into your veins. Mirroring elements of a two-part toccata, this variation has a bubbling and quick moving melodic line supported by relatively simple supportive lower lines. Kateřina and DC are certain that our quickest-witted observers will note the inclusion of chromatic inversion, recognizing that the 16th-note runs that begin the first and second halves of the movement are mirror images of each other.
The other notable aspect of this variation is that it is actually a sarabande, with a simpler exposition of the harmonies of the Goldberg bass-theme than the Aria itself, and indeed not very different from some of Handel's sarabandes. However, Bach added grace-notes and appoggiaturas to some of the chords in his manuscript copy, confirming the notion that what we have here is an elegant (albeit somewhat hidden) French sarabande.

Dave Camwell - Soprano Saxophone
Nicki Roman - Alto Saxophone
Kateřina Pavlíková - Baritone Saxophone